Continue the list with the sentences of your own

Exercise 5. Read and translate the text, be ready to discuss it.

In the United States, the first-year law school curriculum is very important. Required subjects have barely changed in over one hundred years. Traditional first-year courses include: Contracts, Criminal Law, Property, and Torts, with very few variations or exceptions. The cases and rules of law that are taught during the first year of law school are so standardized that visitors can sit blindfolded in any first-year class across the nation and not be able to tell whether they are at Harvard, Yale, or Columbia. Additionally, first-year law students in the United States are constantly told to think logically and analytically, like lawyers. After the first year, law students in the United States theoretically have tremendous flexibility in choosing the remaining courses necessary to fulfill the requirements for a Juris Doctor degree (J.D.). However, most students choose to take bar courses and practice law.

Exercise 6. a) Rephrase the sentence and comment on it.

The cases and rules of law that are taught during the first year of law school are so standardized that visitors can sit blindfolded in any first-year class across the nation and not be able to tell whether they are at Harvard, Yale, or Columbia.

b) Explain the meaning of the word-combination “tremendous flexibility in choosing”. Does the course of law studies in Russia include elective disciplines?

PROJECT

Exercise 7. Read the following law personal statement. Use it as an example to tell the group about your personal qualities, interests and professional ambitions and plans.

The degree course that I have chosen to follow is Law. I have a great passion for the subject of Law and thoroughly enjoy the subject; learning about different aspects of Law, how the English legal system operates and its impact on society. I am particularly interested in Tort, Legislation, and Criminal Law. My career goal is to become a barrister, as I am keen to help others in the pursuit of justice.

I am currently studying History and English Language and Literature as well as Law. This combination of subjects has enabled me to develop the skills of arguing, analysis and evaluation that are vital when studying Law. I enjoy reading newspapers, which keeps me informed on topical issues and also broadens my knowledge. I read the Law section of the Times every Tuesday in order to keep abreast of any changes in the Law and in the legal profession generally.

My ability to motivate myself is a key factor in my overall success. I am an extremely hardworking person and I am committed to reaching my goals. I always work to the best of my ability in order to achieve and have very high levels of self-discipline, self-reliance and initiative. Most importantly, I have a great passion for the subject of Law. My personal qualities as well as my ability to apply myself to my studies, hobbies and extra-curricular activities make me an appropriate candidate for university life as well as the Law Degree Course.

Exercise 8. Discuss the following questions.

1. What are the ways of getting legal education in Russia?

2. What are the ways of getting legal education in the USA?

3. Do American admission requirements differ from Russian ones?

4. What are some important factors in determining which university to attend?

5. How accessible is legal education in Russia?

6. Are Russian students prepared for university studies?

7. What subjects does the course of law studies in Russian universities include? What are the most important disciplines?

8. What system do you favour for measuring students’ progress – final examination or continuous assessment? Why?

9. Does legal education guarantee a good job in your country?

10. Would you like to study at any foreign law school or university? Why?